Personal Support Worker Certification

Admission Requirements

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent (or Wonderlic BST with a cut score of 365 for verbal and 265 for quantitative)
• 19 years of age or older (varies, depending on province specific ministry requirements)
• NACC Technical literacy exam with a minimum score of 18 out of a possible 30 marks
• Medical Certificate (Immunization Form)
• Signed Disclaimer for Students in program Leading to Work with Vulnerable Sectors
• Clear Police Check of Criminal Record or a full pardon
• Adequate level of physical health to be able to fulfill job requirements
• Good command of the English language – both written and verbal

Program Highlights

Personal Support Workers (PSWs) assist with the tasks of daily living, and may work in long-term care facilities, home care settings, retirement homes, supportive housing, group homes, adult day programs, hospitals, and educational facilities. The range of services provided by a PSW is determined by the individual needs of each client* and may include assistance with routine activities of living including personal care, mobility, home management, meal preparation, family care, and assisting with social and recreational activities. As frontline workers, PSWs must develop a broad range of abilities beyond dexterity skills. They must provide for not only the comfort, safety, and well-being of their clients, but also demonstrate sensitivity and respect for those in their care. The attitude, abilities, and approach of PSWs are critical to the well-being and health of the people they support.

Program Duration

• 17 weeks Online Tutoring (4 months)
• 4 weeks Clinical Community Placement (1 month)
• 8 weeks Clinical LTC - facility Placement (2 month)

Career Opportunities

Training in the Personal Support Worker program provides the opportunity for students to develop basic nursing and social service training skills necessary for employment in homes and apartments in the community, long-term facilities, congregate housing settings, and/or day programs.

Core Courses

Upon completion of the program the participant must demonstrate the following core competencies:

Part A: Personal Support Workers Modules

• PSW Foundations
• Safety and Mobility
• Body Systems
• Assisting with Personal Hygiene
• Abuse and Neglect
• Household Management, Nutrition, and Hydration
• Care Planning
• Assisting the Family
• Assisting the Dying Person
• Assisting with Medications
• Cognitive and Mental Health
• Health Conditions
• Standard First Aid
• CPR Level C Certification
• Standard First Aid and CPR – Level C certifications

Part B: Work Experience

• Clinical Placement (Community)
• Clinical Placement (Facility)
• NACC Final Theory Examination